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	<title>Stock Blog Hub &#187; CIGNA Corporation</title>
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		<title>(UNH) Health Insurance Stock Outlook &#8211; April 2012 &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/04/20/unh-health-insurance-stock-outlook-april-2012-industry-outlook/99299</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/04/20/unh-health-insurance-stock-outlook-april-2012-industry-outlook/99299#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:15:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AGP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AMERIGROUP Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Centene Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CNC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coventry Health Care Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gartner Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Genworth Financial Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GNW]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Net Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HIT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hitachi Limited]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HNT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mastercard Incorporated]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miller Industries Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MOH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Molina Healthcare Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=99299</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Though the U.S. Health insurance industry continues to be relatively immune to economic difficulties, it has been still grappling with fundamental changes and consequent growth pangs. The industry has been facing its share of problems related to a sluggish economic recovery, uncertainty surrounding the health care reform law and increased regulatory control. Despite the odds, the industry remains profitable, with the top six players &#8212; UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH), CIGNA Corp. (CI), WellPoint Inc. (WLP), Aetna Inc. (AET), Humana Inc. (HUM), Coventry Health Care Inc. (CVH) &#8212; reporting year-over-year earnings growth in FY11. About the Industry The U.S. Health and Medical Insurance industry is an integral part of the U.S. economy. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. health expenditures account for about 18% of the country’s ]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(WLP) These Healthcare Insurance Stocks Are Ready to Rise</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/01/31/wlp-these-healthcare-insurance-stocks-are-ready-to-rise/28975</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/01/31/wlp-these-healthcare-insurance-stocks-are-ready-to-rise/28975#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:47:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>InvestmentU</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AEE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ameren Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coventry Health Care Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HealthSpring Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PCG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PEG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PG & E Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Service Enterprise Group Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UAM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Universal American Corp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=28975</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Marc Lichtenfeld, Healthcare Expert Wednesday, February 24, 2010: Issue #1203 Healthcare Reform 2.0 is here – this time without as much pork. Good thing, too. Pork is loaded with cholesterol, which increases heart disease, healthcare costs and… well, you get the idea. The President released his revised plan for healthcare reform earlier this week. And while the new proposal is similar to the Senate’s on Christmas Eve, it eliminates some of the pork to Nebraska and other special interests. I’m not going to politicize, though. I’ll leave that to the wackos on talk radio and cable “news” programs. I’ll just focus on what the plan means to health insurers – and investors. Stemming the Tide of Health Insurance Premium Hikes Obama has stated that his proposal is an opening ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/01/31/wlp-these-healthcare-insurance-stocks-are-ready-to-rise/28975/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HS) HealthSpring Shareholders Approve CIGNA Merger</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/01/22/hs-healthspring-shareholders-approve-cigna-merger/90396</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/01/22/hs-healthspring-shareholders-approve-cigna-merger/90396#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:55:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HealthSpring Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=90396</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The acquisition of HealthSpring Inc. (HS) by CIGNA Corp. (CI) has received the approval of the former company&#8217;s shareholders. The approval came from approximately 83% of the shareholders, at a special meeting held on January 12, 2012. The acquisition was announced by Cigna in October last year. HealthSpring’s vast Medicare business with a trusted brand name made it the best fit for Cigna, which intends to foray into the rapidly growing Medicare Advantage business. With this acquisition, valued at approximately $3.8 billion, Cigna will get access to 800,000 Medicare prescription customers and 340,000 Medicare advantage customers. Cigna, the fourth largest health insurer in U.S., had been historically biased towards commercial business (primarily self funded) and averse to government businesses (Medicare and Medicaid). But it is now targeting the government businesses. This shift ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/01/22/hs-healthspring-shareholders-approve-cigna-merger/90396/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(AET) Health Insurance Stock Review &#8211; December 2011 &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/15/aet-health-insurance-stock-review-dec-2011-industry-outlook/88751</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/15/aet-health-insurance-stock-review-dec-2011-industry-outlook/88751#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:01:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AGP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AMERIGROUP Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Centene Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CNC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coventry Health Care Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Genworth Financial Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GNW]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Net Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HNT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miller Industries Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MOH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Molina Healthcare Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=88751</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Health and Medical Insurance industry is an integral part of the U.S. economy. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. health expenditures account for about 18% of U.S. GDP. Money spent per person on healthcare in the United States is more than in any other nation in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Despite rapidly growing spending on healthcare over the past few decades, health insurance industry has been characterized by growing premium, limited policy choice and lack of transparency. Over the past 10 years, health insurance premiums have persistently increased, outpacing the growth of wages and cost of living. The surge in premiums &#8212; due mostly to complex connections among health insurance companies, health care providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and the medical technology industry ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/15/aet-health-insurance-stock-review-dec-2011-industry-outlook/88751/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CI) Cigna Rating Affirmed by A.M. Best</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/07/ci-cigna-rating-affirmed-by-a-m-best/88173</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/07/ci-cigna-rating-affirmed-by-a-m-best/88173#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:51:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AirShares EU Carbon Allowances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ASO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miller Industries Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=88173</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As a part of its annual rating review process, rating agency A.M. Best undertook its rating action on CIGNA Corp. (CI). The action resulted in affirmation of the company’s issuer credit rating (ICR) of “bbb” and financial strength rating of “A”, with a stable outlook. The rating agency acknowledged Cigna’s solid operating performance due to lower medical utilization, favorable prior year reserve release and strong specialty earnings. The rating agency is also positive on Cigna’s differentiated product segment – 11% commercial fully insured (11%), experience rated members (8%) and administrative services only (ASO) (81%). Cigna’s vast exposure to the ASO business increases its prominence amongst its peers, as this line of business is growing tremendously. Additionally, the company is expected to see continued increase in demand for ASO products as ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/07/ci-cigna-rating-affirmed-by-a-m-best/88173/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(WLP) Health Insurers Cut Third Quarter Lobbying Costs</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/06/wlp-health-insurers-cut-third-quarter-lobbying-costs/88069</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/06/wlp-health-insurers-cut-third-quarter-lobbying-costs/88069#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:37:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miller Industries Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=88069</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Most of the leading health insurance companies reduced their lobbying costs in the third quarter of 2011, compared with the second quarter, although many recorded a year-over-year increase. WellPoint Inc. (WLP), the largest health insurer based on membership, spent $870,000 on lobbying in the third quarter, up 9% from the prior-year quarter. However, the cost was down by a substantial 34% from the second quarter of 2011. The second-largest health insurer based on membership and largest in terms of total revenue, UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH), also recorded a significant 18% year-over-year hike to $650,000, while it witnessed a sizeable 24% decline from the prior quarter. Meanwhile, CIGNA Corporation (CI), the fourth largest health insurer on the basis of membership, bucked the trend by reducing its lobbying cost by a considerable ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/06/wlp-health-insurers-cut-third-quarter-lobbying-costs/88069/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNH) UnitedHealth Group Acquires Medicare Advantage Business</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/28/unh-unitedhealth-group-acquires-medicare-advantage-business/87571</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/28/unh-unitedhealth-group-acquires-medicare-advantage-business/87571#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:12:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HealthSpring Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mastercard Incorporated]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=87571</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On Tuesday, UnitedHealthcare, a division of UnitedHealth Group (UNH), announced its plan to acquire XLHealth Corp, a sponsor of Medicare Advantage health plans. With this acquisition, the company is expected to remain a step ahead of its competitors including WellPoint Inc. (WLP)and Aetna Inc. (AET) in acquiring Medicare Advantage (MA) business. Also, as the MA business is expected to grow considerably over the next five years, the latest acquisition will be a big advantage for the company to strengthen its financials. The all-cash deal, which is valued at approximately $2 billion, is expected to close in the first half of 2012. Immediately after the closure, the deal will be accretive to UnitedHealth Group’s earnings. UnitedHealth currently enjoys the leading position in the MA market with 18.4% market share, followed by ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/28/unh-unitedhealth-group-acquires-medicare-advantage-business/87571/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(LH) Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings Earnings Scorecard</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/03/lh-laboratory-corporation-of-america-holdings-earnings-scorecard/86241</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/03/lh-laboratory-corporation-of-america-holdings-earnings-scorecard/86241#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:12:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medical Laboratories & Research]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DGX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quest Diagnostics Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=86241</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The announcement of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings’ (LH) third quarter fiscal 2011 results, as on October 20, 2011, has led analysts to revise their estimates lower for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2011. Third Quarter Highlights LabCorp reported adjusted EPS of $1.61 (excluding amortization, restructuring and other special charges) for the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The result was higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.60 and the previous year&#8217;s adjusted EPS of $1.58. Revenues increased 10% year over year to $1,404.5 million, marginally missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,408 million. Testing volume (measured by requisitions) and revenue per requisition increased 2.1% and 7.8%, respectively. LabCorp updated its guidance for fiscal 2011. The company now expects a 10.5?11% revenue growth (previous guidance of 9.5?11.5%) resulting in adjusted EPS ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/03/lh-laboratory-corporation-of-america-holdings-earnings-scorecard/86241/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(MCO) Insurance Industry Stock Update &#8211; September 2011 &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/10/05/mco-insurance-industry-stock-update-september-2011-industry-outlook/84611</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/10/05/mco-insurance-industry-stock-update-september-2011-industry-outlook/84611#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:11:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AFSI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AIG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American International Group Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American Safety Insurance Holdings Limited]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Amerisafe Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AMSF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Amtrust Financial Services Inc (NY)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ASI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CNO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conseco Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eastern Insurance Holdings Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EIHI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FAF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FBL Financial Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FFG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[First American Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HMN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Horace Mann Educators Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investors Title Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ITIC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MCO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MCY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mercury General Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Moody's Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PRA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ProAssurance Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RLI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RLI Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SBX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SeaBright Insurance Holdings Inc]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=84611</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Despite a series of natural disasters and consequent above-average losses, the U.S. insurance industry could rebound only with help from rising rates and reduced pricing pressure. Though financials of U.S. insurance companies are still not strong enough to soak up losses from catastrophic events such as the recent Hurricane Irene, which affected a wide area of the U.S. East Coast, tight market conditions and a favorable rate environment on steady demand growth could significantly offset the damages. Moreover, the financial dent caused by Hurricane Irene has been milder than what the market had presumed. It wasn&#8217;t as bad as it could have been due to perfect weather forecasts and rapid emergency actions. So the damage is expected to be mended in the near-to-mid term. After enduring stress with respect to ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/10/05/mco-insurance-industry-stock-update-september-2011-industry-outlook/84611/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(FSR) Humana Rating Affirmed By A.M. Best</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/22/fsr-humana-rating-affirmed-by-a-m-best/83879</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/22/fsr-humana-rating-affirmed-by-a-m-best/83879#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:06:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property & Casualty Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Limited]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FSR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=83879</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The rating agency A.M.Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength ratings (FSR) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of the health insurer Humana Inc. (HUM) and conferred a debt rating of “bbb” to the company. All the ratings carry a stable outlook, indicating the company’s stable financial and market trends, and a likelihood that the company&#8217;s rating would change over an intermediate period. However, A.M. Best’s rating action reflects a combination of positive and negative factors. The agency views positively Humana’s efforts of maintaining its revenue growth and developing its Medicare Advantage membership base. A modest leverage (18.0% at the end of June 30, 2011) relative to its other peers  such as UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH), CIGNA Inc. (CI), Aetna Inc. (AET), WellPoint Inc. (WLP), along with sufficient capital flexibility, ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/22/fsr-humana-rating-affirmed-by-a-m-best/83879/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Gets Customer-centric</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/21/ci-cigna-gets-customer-centric/83707</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/21/ci-cigna-gets-customer-centric/83707#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:07:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=83707</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In a bid to provide specialized customer service, health insurer CIGNA Corp. (CI) has announced a national brand campaign, with the theme “GO YOU”.  The campaign chiefly focuses on providing user-friendly programs along with delivering unique customer service. The advertisement kicked off yesterday on print, television and the web and is expected to grab instant attention. Though the company has not yet disclosed the cost of the campaign, we expect it to be one of the most significant in the company’s history. For customer convenience, Cigna has put up a worldwide customers service arrangement which will be available 24/7 throughout the year. Customers will also be able to use their mobile phones with the application “Cigna Mobile” that will help them to locate physicians, hospitals, urgent care facilities, dentists, and ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/21/ci-cigna-gets-customer-centric/83707/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(LH) Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings-UnitedHealth Extend Pact</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/15/lh-laboratory-corporation-of-america-holdings-unitedhealth-extend-pact/83046</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/15/lh-laboratory-corporation-of-america-holdings-unitedhealth-extend-pact/83046#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:48:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medical Laboratories & Research]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=83046</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last week, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LH) announced that it has extended its agreement with UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, an affiliate of UnitedHealth Group (UNH). The agreement, effective since January 1, 2007, will continue until 2018. Under the terms of the agreement, LabCorp will continue to be the national laboratory for UnitedHealthcare and Oxford Health Plans and the exclusive laboratory provider for some HMO benefit plans. In 2006, LabCorp had entered into a 10-year agreement with UnitedHealthcare to become its exclusive national laboratory. The company continues to work closely with MCOs by providing value-added services. The growth of the managed care sector and consolidation have presented various challenges and opportunities to several independent clinical laboratories. Last year, LabCorp extended its contracts with Wellpoint Inc. (WLP) and Cigna Corporation (CI) through ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/15/lh-laboratory-corporation-of-america-holdings-unitedhealth-extend-pact/83046/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Corporation &#8211; Bull of the Day</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/16/ci-cigna-corporation-bull-of-the-day-3/81382</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/16/ci-cigna-corporation-bull-of-the-day-3/81382#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:07:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=81382</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[CIGNA Corp&#8217;s (CI) second quarter core earnings were fairly ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate, as well as the year-ago quarter&#8217;s earnings. Better-than-expected results were aided by strong earnings from across the board. EPS also benefited from a lower share count compared with the year-ago quarter. The company is aggressively expanding its international operations, which will likely drive future growth. Moreover, CIGNA has lower exposure to reform risks than other insurers, and thus has an edge with respect to the Healthcare Reform Act. A strong balance sheet and adequate liquidity will further lead to continued share buybacks, thereby contributing to the bottom line. Our six-month target price of $49.00 equates to about 9.2x our earnings estimate for 2011. We view $0.16 per common share annual dividend as secure, implying an ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/16/ci-cigna-corporation-bull-of-the-day-3/81382/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Analyst Reiterates Shares at Outperform</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/15/ci-cigna-analyst-reiterates-shares-at-outperform/81319</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/15/ci-cigna-analyst-reiterates-shares-at-outperform/81319#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:16:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=81319</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We are reiterating our Outperform recommendation on the shares of CIGNA Corp. (CI) following the company&#8217;s second quarter results. Earnings of $1.53 per share outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.29 as well as earnings of $1.38 per share reported in the comparable period last year. Better-than-expected results were aided by strong earnings from across the board, along with lower share count compared with the year-ago quarter. CIGNA has witnessed year-to-date membership growth of 1.3%, adjusting for the planned non-strategic exits. For the past one and a half years, CIGNA has been recording a continued uptick in demand for ASO products as well as incentive and engagement-based programs, and it expects the trend to continue growing in 2012. Management anticipates the medical membership growth for full-year 2011 to be approximately ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/15/ci-cigna-analyst-reiterates-shares-at-outperform/81319/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CFS) Aetna Announces Acquisition of PayFlex</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/07/cfs-aetna-announces-acquisition-of-payflex/79484</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/07/cfs-aetna-announces-acquisition-of-payflex/79484#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 07 Aug 2011 15:19:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Management Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AirShares EU Carbon Allowances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ASO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CFS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Comforce Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PHG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=79484</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In an attempt to solidify its Consumer Fund Services (CFS) business, Aetna Inc. (AET) has entered into an agreement to acquire Omaha, NE-based Payflex Holdings Inc. in a $202 million deal. The acquisition, which will see light in the second half of the year, will not be accretive to Aetna’s 2011 and 2012 earnings. However, it is likely to offer attractive returns over the longer term. Founded in 1987, Payflex has around 423 employees presently. PayFlex perfectly suits Aetna’s existing consumer-oriented product business, with the former’s business model focusing on web-based benefit administration for healthcare plan sponsors that offer consumer-based products like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and COBRA direct-billing services. Aetna is attracted towards PayFlex’s unique technology program called HealthHub, an ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/07/cfs-aetna-announces-acquisition-of-payflex/79484/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(AIZ) Assurant  Suffers High Catastrophe Loss &#8211; Hurts Second Quarter Earnings</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/03/aiz-assurant-suffers-high-catastrophe-loss-hurts-second-quarter-earnings/80108</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/03/aiz-assurant-suffers-high-catastrophe-loss-hurts-second-quarter-earnings/80108#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:53:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Accident & Health Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AIZ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Assurant Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CAT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caterpillar Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CNO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conseco Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[L]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loews Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PFG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Principal Financial Group Inc]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=80108</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Assurant Inc. (AIZ) has reported second quarter 2011 operating earnings of 76 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8 cents and significantly lagging the prior-year quarter’s earnings of $1.35 per share. The quarter’s results were hit by high catastrophe loss (cat loss) incidence and a weak performance at the company’s health unit. Total revenue for the reported quarter stood at $2.1 billion, down 3.6% year over year. Lower earned premiums, along with a decrease in net investment income, primarily accounted for the decline. Net earned premiums fell 4.4% year over year to $1.8 billion owing to a decline in premium across all the business segments. Net investment income inched down 0.8% to $173.8 owing to a drop in yields, while the invested assets remained stable. SegmentPerformance Year ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/03/aiz-assurant-suffers-high-catastrophe-loss-hurts-second-quarter-earnings/80108/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Headquarters Shifted to Connecticut</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/07/15/ci-cigna-headquarters-shifted-to-connecticut/79096</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/07/15/ci-cigna-headquarters-shifted-to-connecticut/79096#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:51:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=79096</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Health insurer CIGNA Corp. (CI) recently revealed plans shift to its headquarters to Bloomfield, Connecticut after it was nominated to receive economic benefits from the state government in exchange for new job creations. The CIGNA base will move from Philadelphia, where it has been stationed since 1982. CIGNA would be the first to receive $50 million of economic benefits from Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy under the “First Five” program, a job creation initiative, passed by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community in June 2011. The salient feature of the “First Five” program is that it would offer a variety of tax credits and other economic incentives to the first five businesses each year that create at least 200 new jobs within two years or invest at least $25 ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/07/15/ci-cigna-headquarters-shifted-to-connecticut/79096/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(UNH) UnitedHealth Group Spends More on Lobbying</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/07/05/unh-unitedhealth-group-spends-more-on-lobbying/78261</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/07/05/unh-unitedhealth-group-spends-more-on-lobbying/78261#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:04:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=78261</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In a bid to lobby the Federal Government, Minnesota-based health insurer UnitedHealth Group (UNH) spent $660,000 during the first quarter of 2011, which was in line with the comparable period last year but up 14% sequentially. Lobbying is an activity usually paid by an interest group to promote its position to legislatures by influencing opinion leaders, thereby creating a climate for the change they desire. UnitedHealth lobbied on the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the health care overhaul and Medicare issues. Apart from Congress and the White House, UnitedHealth, the largest publicly traded health insurer based on revenue, also lobbied the departments of Health and Human Services and Labor, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Federal Reserve System. One of UnitedHealth’s peers, Cigna ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/07/05/unh-unitedhealth-group-spends-more-on-lobbying/78261/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Cuts Lobbying Costs</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/30/ci-cigna-cuts-lobbying-costs/78045</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/30/ci-cigna-cuts-lobbying-costs/78045#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:08:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=78045</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Philadelphia-based managed care company CIGNA Corp.(CI) has reportedly spent $280,000 on lobbying the Federal Government during the first quarter of 2011. However, lobbying expenses in the reported quarter marked a decline of 30% from the previous-year quarter and 18% from the previous quarter. Lobbying is an activity usually paid by an interest group to promote its position to legislatures by influencing opinion leaders, thereby creating a climate for the change they desire. CIGNA,  the fourth largest health insurer (on the basis of membership), lobbied during the first quarter for defending the Medicare Advantage, a form of Medicare delivered by private insurance companies that President Barack Obama has reduced reimbursements to. The company also lobbied on Part D prescription drug programs, the Open Access to Courts Act of 2009, and the ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/30/ci-cigna-cuts-lobbying-costs/78045/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(AET) Aetna Takes Over Prodigy Health Group</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/30/aet-aetna-takes-over-prodigy-health-group/78042</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/30/aet-aetna-takes-over-prodigy-health-group/78042#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:37:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Limited]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FSR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=78042</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Aetna Inc. (AET) has recently revealed that it has completed the acquisition of Prodigy Health Group, which was announced back in April. New York-based Prodigy sells self funded plans to employers that employ about 100-5000 individuals. The acquisition, valued at $600 million, will add Prodigy’s self funded market to Aetna’s domain. Self-funded plans are the ones in which employers assumes the risk and pay the claims, and the job of the insurer is limited to administering the whole process. Prodigy’s market spans across 15 states in the U.S. Through this market, Aetna plans to strengthen its position in the small-to-mid-sized segment by offering Administrative Services Only plans, which have become popular of late with higher premium levels charged by insurance companies. During January, Aetna completed the purchase of Medicity, a ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/30/aet-aetna-takes-over-prodigy-health-group/78042/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(AET) Aetna Gets Approval From Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/16/aet-aetna-gets-approval-from-centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services/76576</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/16/aet-aetna-gets-approval-from-centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services/76576#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:59:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CMS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CMS Energy Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Polypore International Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PPO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=76576</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Aetna Inc. (AET) has recently revealed that it has finally got green signal from the Centers for Medicare &#38; Medicaid Services (CMS), to market its Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan products. In April 2010, the company was banned from offering these products to new members as some of the Medicare prescription drug plans offered between 2009 and 2010 had failed to comply with the regulatory requirements. Aetna’s Medicare products are regulated by the CMS. In April last year, the CMS had granted the company a limited waiver of these sanctions to allow it to continue enrolling eligible members into existing, contracted group Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans and Standalone PDPs through March 31, 2011. Consequently, the company’s 2011 Medicare membership was adversely affected because it did not participate in the 2010 ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/16/aet-aetna-gets-approval-from-centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services/76576/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Corporation &#8211; Bull of the Day</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/12/ci-cigna-corporation-bull-of-the-day-2/75960</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/12/ci-cigna-corporation-bull-of-the-day-2/75960#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:00:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=75960</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We are upgrading our recommendation on the shares of CIGNA Corp. (CI) to Outperform from Neutral on the back of improving enrollment expectations, expanding international business. Its first quarter core earning was fairly ahead of Zacks Consensus Estimates well as year ago earnings. Better-than-expected results stemmed from strong earnings from across the board. EPS was also higher due to lower number of shares in the quarter compared with last year&#8217;s quarter. We believe the recent acquisition of Vanberda International will improve the company&#8217;s already thriving international operations, which is a key to future growth. Moreover, CIGNA has lower exposure to reform risks than other insurers and thus have an edge with respect to health care reform. A strong balance sheet and adequate liquidity will further lead to continued share buybacks ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/12/ci-cigna-corporation-bull-of-the-day-2/75960/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(WLP) WellPoint Quarterly Earnings Outshine &#8211; Company Increases Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/05/03/wlp-wellpoint-quarterly-earnings-outshine-company-increases-outlook/72615</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/05/03/wlp-wellpoint-quarterly-earnings-outshine-company-increases-outlook/72615#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2011 19:07:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESRX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Express Scripts Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=72615</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc. (WLP) reported its first-quarter income from continuing operations of $891.0 million or $2.35 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.87. This also compares favorably with the income of $871.9 million or earnings of $1.95 in the year-ago quarter. The improved showing was attributable to higher operating cash flows and the implementation of organizational changes in health care. Besides, the jump in medical enrollment also contributed to the increase. WellPoint’s income from continuing operations excludes net investment gains of $35.6 million after-tax, or 9 cents per share in the first quarter of 2011; while net operating income in the first quarter of 2010 excludes net investment gains of $18.6 million after-tax or 4 cents per share, which was partially offset by an intangible asset impairment charge of ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/05/03/wlp-wellpoint-quarterly-earnings-outshine-company-increases-outlook/72615/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNM) Unum Group Analyst Reiterates Shares at Neutral</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/04/14/unm-unum-group-analyst-reiterates-shares-at-neutral/71573</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/04/14/unm-unum-group-analyst-reiterates-shares-at-neutral/71573#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:25:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Accident & Health Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AFL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AFLAC Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lincoln National Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LNC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unum Group]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=71573</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Owing to unemployment and sluggish economic recovery that are expected to delay new business accrual and exert pressure on premium growth coupled with low interest rates that are expected to impact investment income and reserving practices, we reiterate out Neutral recommendation on Unum Group (UNM). Unum’s fourth quarter earnings lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate due to soft performance at Unum UK and Colonial Life. Unum&#8217;s U.S. segment, which accounts for a major portion of the company’s premium income, recession unfavorably affected premium growth in 2009. During the most recent quarter premium income witnessed a decline though modest. Due to the slow economic recovery and continued pricing discipline, we expect only a slight increase in enrollments which will restrict the premium growth. Also, at Colonial Life, we expect a moderate premium ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/04/14/unm-unum-group-analyst-reiterates-shares-at-neutral/71573/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(WLP) WellPoint Provides 2011 Guidance</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/03/04/wlp-wellpoint-provides-2011-guidance/67661</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/03/04/wlp-wellpoint-provides-2011-guidance/67661#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 Mar 2011 00:43:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESRX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Express Scripts Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=67661</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc. (WLP), at its investor conference provided its guidance for full year 2011. The company reaffirmed its expectation of delivering net income of least $6.30 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimates for 2011 is in line with the company’s guidance. The company also expects to achieve earnings per share growth of at least 10% over a longer term. WellPoint expects operating revenue to be $59.5 million in 2011, up 3% year over year. The company also expects Medical enrollment growth in the National, State Sponsored, Senior and Federal Employee Plan businesses, partially offset by attrition in Local Group and Individual. Selling, General and Administrative (SG&#38;A) expenses are likely to decrease $400 million or 4.5%, and the SG&#38;A Expense Ratio is projected to be 14.2%, a decrease of 110 basis ]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(AET) Aetna Beats Earnings Expectations &#8211; Raises Dividend</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/aet-aetna-beats-earnings-expectations-raises-dividend/66430</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/aet-aetna-beats-earnings-expectations-raises-dividend/66430#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:26:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=66430</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.’s (AET) fourth quarter earnings of 63 cents per share came in a couple of pennies ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company had earned 40 cents in the prior-year quarter. Better-than-expected results stemmed from higher commercial underwriting margin due to lower utilization, partially offset by lower Commercial Insured membership. Results were also buoyed by lower share count due to share repurchase activity. However, including net realized capital gains and other items, earnings came in at 53 cents per share, up a whopping 39% year over year. The third largest commercial health insurer reported total revenue of $8.5 billion in the fourth quarter, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.3 billion, but dropped 2% on a year-over-year basis. This was primarily due to a decline in Health ]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(UNH) Health Insurance Industry Outlook &#8211; Febuary 2011 &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/unh-health-insurance-industry-outlook-febuary-2011-industry-outlook/66583</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/unh-health-insurance-industry-outlook-febuary-2011-industry-outlook/66583#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:22:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miller Industries Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=66583</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Health insurance companies finished 2010 strongly gaining from a drop in medical utilization by members, driven primarily by the extremely weak labor market. Bad weather also kept them indoors during the final quarter of the year. We believe utilization will remain soft in 2011, which will act as a tailwind for the industry. Looking at past trends when unemployment increased rapidly in 2008, utilization factor did not see a proportionate drop, indicating that it typically lags the former. Thus, even as the employment scenario improves in 2011, we do not expect an increase in utilization activity until 2012. Insurers are also buoyed by low flu claims in 2010, but 2011 is predicted to witness normal flu activity, which might increase medical utilization. For health insurers high flu activity translates to ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/unh-health-insurance-industry-outlook-febuary-2011-industry-outlook/66583/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Quarterly Earnings Report Outshines Expectations</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/hum-humana-quarterly-earnings-report-outshines-expectations/66496</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/hum-humana-quarterly-earnings-report-outshines-expectations/66496#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:03:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wal-Mart Stores Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WMT]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=66496</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Humana Inc. (HUM) reported its fourth-quarter operating earnings (excluding special items) of $1.65 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 80 cents. This also compares favorably with earnings of $1.48 in the year-ago quarter. The operating earnings exclude the incremental expenses of $1.02 per share in the fourth quarter, partially offset by improved year-over-year performance in the company’s operations. The incremental expenses in the reported quarter includes reserves strengthening for Humana’s closed block of long-term care business, incremental spending associated with the change in Medicare Advantage enrollment periods, the launch of the Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), a contribution to The Humana Foundation, and transaction costs associated with the company’s acquisition of Concentra Inc. In fiscal 2010, operating earnings were $7.18 per share, exceeding the ]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana to Diversify &#8211; Agrees to Aquire Concentra</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/23/hum-humana-to-diversify-agrees-to-aquire-concentra/60309</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/23/hum-humana-to-diversify-agrees-to-aquire-concentra/60309#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:49:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wal-Mart Stores Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WMT]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=60309</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Amidst the concerns regarding funding cuts and the impact of the U.S. health care reform, Humana Inc. (HUM) has agreed to acquire Concentra, Inc. for $790 million in cash, to diversify and expand its footprint into medical services nationwide. Concentra is a private health care company based in Addison, Texas, which provides occupational medicine, urgent care, physical therapy and wellness services. Further, it produces approximately $800 million of revenues annually from 240 workplace health-care facilities and more than 300 medical centers in 42 states. The deal is expected to close in December, 2010 and add slightly to Humana’s earnings by the end of December 31, 2011, though the regulatory approval is still pending. Humana believes that the acquisition of Concentra will increase Humana’s focus on its core businesses as a ]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Faces Standard &amp; Poor&#8217;s Rating Action</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/15/ci-cigna-faces-standard-poors-rating-action/59443</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/15/ci-cigna-faces-standard-poors-rating-action/59443#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2010 04:51:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=59443</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Late last week, health insurance company CIGNA Corp. (CI) received a rating revision from Standard &#38; Poor&#8217;s Ratings Services. The rating agency revised CIGNA’s financial rating outlook to “stable” from “negative,” taking into account the company’s ability to insulate its results from losses in its run-off reinsurance business over the past twenty months. CIGNA’s Run-off Reinsurance Segment, which accounted for 2% of revenues in the year 2009, has been discontinued. The segment went into the run-off mode following the sale of the U.S. individual life, group life and accidental death reinsurance business in 2000. Although the run-off reinsurance losses from the year 2009 have been abated by a market rebound over the past few months, market volatility and returns, interest rate fluctuations and annuitant behavior will likely weigh on the ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/15/ci-cigna-faces-standard-poors-rating-action/59443/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(WLP) WellPoint Earnings Reports Outshines &#8211; Forecast Raised</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/07/wlp-wellpoint-earnings-reports-outshines-forecast-raised/57978</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/07/wlp-wellpoint-earnings-reports-outshines-forecast-raised/57978#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:26:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESRX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Express Scripts Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=57978</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc. (WLP) reported its third-quarter income from continuing operations of $701.2 million or $1.74 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.58. However, this compares unfavorably with the income of $850.5 million or earnings of $1.78 in the year-ago quarter. The improved showing was attributable to higher-than-expected favorable reserve development and continued strong performance in administrative expense management. WellPoint’s income from continuing operations excludes net investment gains of $37.9 million after-tax, or approximately 10 cents per share in the reported quarter, while it excludes net investment gains of $14.1 million after-tax or 3 cents per share and an impairment charge of $134.4 million after-tax, or 28 cents per share in the prior year quarter. Including these one-time items, WellPoint reported a net income of $739.1 million or $1.84 ]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Quarterly Earnings Beat Estimates</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/03/ci-cigna-quarterly-earnings-beat-estimates/57458</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/03/ci-cigna-quarterly-earnings-beat-estimates/57458#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:14:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coventry Health Care Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=57458</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[CIGNA Corp.’s (CI) third quarter earnings of $1.10 per share were ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.06. The insurer earned $1.13 per share last year. Better-than-expected results came in due to improved contribution from Health Care, Disability &#38; Life and International segments. CIGNA’s net income declined 6.7% year over year to $307 million, due to $44 million of losses incurred on its run-off business operations – Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefits. The fourth-largest commercial health insurer reported total revenue of $5.3 billion, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.2 billion. It was also up 18% from $4.5 billion in the prior-year quarter, driven by higher business retention coupled with new account sales. Consolidated premiums and fees increased 15% to $4.6 billion, led by ]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(AAPL) Stock Market News for October 29, 2010 &#8211; Market News</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/01/aapl-stock-market-news-for-october-29-2010-market-news/57086</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/01/aapl-stock-market-news-for-october-29-2010-market-news/57086#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:02:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Computers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[3M Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AAPL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ALL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Allstate Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apple Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AutoNation Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Avon Products Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AVP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CAT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caterpillar Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chevron Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cisco Systems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CSCO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eastman Kodak Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exxon Mobil Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jabil Circuit Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JBL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merck & Company Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Microsoft Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MMM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MRK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MSFT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Newell Rubbermaid Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NWL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Symantec Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SYMC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Weyerhaeuser Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[XOM]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=57086</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Stocks had a mixed day on Thursday as investors weighed mixed earnings reports and a possible announcement from the Federal Reserve to buy bonds. 3M Co.’s downbeat earnings and its tepid full-year outlook wiped off market’s initial advance that was fueled by a surprise drop in initial claims. The unexpected drop in first-time claims for unemployment benefits sent the Dow average up 53 points in the morning session. However, as the session progressed the advance petered out and the blue-chip average closed with a loss of 12 points. 3M’s (NYSE:MMM) narrower profit outlook for 2010 and its dim view of the U.S. and European economies weighed in the minds of investors. 3M (NYSE:MMM) weighed heavily on the DJIA after it lowered its 2010 profit view by $0.06 to a range ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/01/aapl-stock-market-news-for-october-29-2010-market-news/57086/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>(AGP) Company News for October 29, 2010 &#8211; Corporate Summary</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/01/agp-company-news-for-october-29-2010-corporate-summary/57087</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/01/agp-company-news-for-october-29-2010-corporate-summary/57087#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:01:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AGP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AMERIGROUP Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calpine Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CEG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Constellation Energy Group Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CPN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DTE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DTE Energy Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JPM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JPMorgan Chase & Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merck & Company Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Microsoft Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MRK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MSFT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Newell Rubbermaid Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NWL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SNE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sony Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VIVUS Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VVUS]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=57087</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[• Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) reported fiscal first quarter earnings of $0.62, above Zacks estimates of $0.55, on a 25.3% revenue jump to $16.2 billion, up from estimates of $15.7 billion • Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE:NWL) reported third quarter earnings $0.01 cents higher than Zacks estimates of $0.42, on in-line revenues of $1.5 billion • CIGNA&#8217;s (NYSE:CI) third-quarter results beat estimates by $0.04 at $1.10 on in-line revenues of $5.3 billion, up 16.6% YoY • Constellation Energy Group (NYSE:CEG) reported an earnings miss as third quarter results posted at $0.48, $0.16 under Zacks expectations on in-line revenues of $4 billion, down 1.5% • Aon Corp. (NYSE:AON) reported a third quarter earnings of $0.61, below Zacks estimates of $0.66, on in-line revenues of $1.8 billion, up 1.2% YoY • Merck (NYSE:MRK) reported better-than-expected earnings of $0.85, beating Zacks estimates of ]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Corporation &#8211; Bull of the Day</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/09/22/ci-cigna-corporation-bull-of-the-day/52459</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/09/22/ci-cigna-corporation-bull-of-the-day/52459#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:18:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=52459</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We are upgrading our recommendation on the shares of CIGNA (CI) to Buy as we believe the recent acquisition of Vanberda international will boost the company&#8217;s thriving international operations, which is key to the growth of the company. Moreover, CIGNA has lower exposure to reform risks than other insurers, and thus has an edge with respect to the Health Care Reform Act. A strong balance sheet and adequate liquidity will lead to continued share buybacks, contributing to the bottom line. CIGNA has benefited from an effective execution of growth strategy and strong earnings from diversified businesses, and is poised to attain its full year 2010 financial goals. Our six-month target price of $36.00 equates to about 8.2x our earnings estimate for 2010. We view $0.04 per common share annual dividend ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/09/22/ci-cigna-corporation-bull-of-the-day/52459/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNH) Health Care Review and Outlook &#8211; September 2010 &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/09/17/unh-health-care-review-and-outlook-september-2010-industry-outlook/52020</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/09/17/unh-health-care-review-and-outlook-september-2010-industry-outlook/52020#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:11:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HealthSpring Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UAM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Universal American Corp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=52020</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The health care industry is currently undergoing a period of tremendous uncertainty due to the implications of the recent Health Care Reform Act &#8212; named the PPACA &#8212; after it becomes fully effective. Why was the reform enacted? Health care costs, which have risen rapidly in real terms in the last few decades, have strained state and federal budgets. The entire health care sector accounts for roughly 17% of the U.S. GDP, up from 5.2% in 1960. Further growth in health care costs remains a  key risk to the long-term fiscal health of the state and federal governments. This legislation attempts to address this issue. An increasing number of people were falling out of the health insurance coverage due to rising premium prices, limiting access to health care. The legislation, ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/09/17/unh-health-care-review-and-outlook-september-2010-industry-outlook/52020/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(WLP) WellPoint Earnings Beat &#8211; Raises Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/07/28/wlp-wellpoint-earnings-beat-raises-outlook/45097</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/07/28/wlp-wellpoint-earnings-beat-raises-outlook/45097#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:56:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DCP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DynCorp International Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESRX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Express Scripts Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=45097</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On July 28, 2010, WellPoint Inc. (WLP) reported its second-quarter income from continuing operations of $702.8 million or $1.67 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.56. This also compares favorably with the income of $731.5 million or earnings of $1.50 in the year-ago quarter. The improved showing was attributable to higher-than-expected favorable reserve development and continued strong performance in capital management. WellPoint’s income from continuing operations excludes net investment gains of $19.6 million after-tax, or $0.04 per share in the reported quarter and net investment losses of $38.0 million after-tax or $0.07 per share in the prior-year quarter. Including these one-time items, WellPoint reported a net income of $722.4 million or $1.71 per share as opposed to $693.5 million or $1.43 per share. Behind the Headlines Total operating ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/07/28/wlp-wellpoint-earnings-beat-raises-outlook/45097/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNM) Unum Group Announces Share Repurchase</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/05/24/unm-unum-group-announces-share-repurchase/38235</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/05/24/unm-unum-group-announces-share-repurchase/38235#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 03:56:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Accident & Health Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LNC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unum Group]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=38235</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As a part of its incessant effort to enhance value for it shareholders, the board of directors of Unum Group (UNM) announced a share repurchase authorization and an increase in the quarterly dividend on May 20, 2010. According to the new authorization, Unum will repurchase up to $500 million of its outstanding shares of common stock over the next 12 months in either open market or privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions and regulatory considerations. Unum had bought back common stock worth $700 million in 2008. Furthermore, the board also announced a 12.1% increase in its quarterly common stock dividend. Unum will now pay a quarterly dividend of 9.25 cents per share, up from 8.25 cents paid on February 19, 2010. The increased dividend is expected to be paid ]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(AIZ) Assurant Announces 7% Increase in Common Stock Dividend</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/05/17/aiz-assurant-announces-7-increase-in-common-stock-dividend/37428</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/05/17/aiz-assurant-announces-7-increase-in-common-stock-dividend/37428#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 May 2010 22:34:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Accident & Health Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AIZ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Assurant Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=37428</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As part of its concerted effort to enhance value for its shareholders, Assurant Inc. (AIZ) announced a 7% increase in its quarterly common stock dividend on May 14, 2010. The board of directors of Assurant will now pay a quarterly dividend of 16 cents per share, up from 15 cents paid on March 8, 2010. The increased dividend will be paid on June 8 to shareholders of record as of May 24. Assurant has had a consistent track record of paying quarterly dividends, and the current dividend is not an exception, representing the company’s sixth straight year of a dividend increase. The industry’s statutory capital levels have fallen sharply during the last few years as a result of market turmoil, and consequently some companies are still facing liquidity challenges. In ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/05/17/aiz-assurant-announces-7-increase-in-common-stock-dividend/37428/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(AET) Aetna Gets Notice From Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/04/14/aet-aetna-gets-notice-from-centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services/33671</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/04/14/aet-aetna-gets-notice-from-centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services/33671#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:28:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=33671</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recently, Aetna Inc (AET) announced that it has been informed by the Centers for Medicare &#38; Medicaid Services (CMS) of its intention to suspend the enrollment of new members into Aetna’s Medicare Advantage and Standalone Prescription Drug Plan Contracts. The suspension also stops Aetna from marketing the plans to new members. The action against the health insurer was taken due to the non-compliance of certain Medicare Part D requirements. The suspension is effective from April 21, 2010. The suspension affects Aetna&#8217;s Medicare Advantage and Standalone Prescription Drug Plans. However, it has no bearing on the company’s current Medicare enrollees. Medicare Advantage plans are privately run versions of the government&#8217;s Medicare program, under which the elderly and disabled are provided with health coverage. According to the CMS, Aetna did not comply ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/04/14/aet-aetna-gets-notice-from-centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services/33671/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(WLP) WellPoint Provides 2010 Financial Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/18/wlp-wellpoint-provides-2010-financial-outlook/31107</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/18/wlp-wellpoint-provides-2010-financial-outlook/31107#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:56:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=31107</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recently, WellPoint Inc. (WLP) provided its financial outlook for fiscal 2010. The health insurer expects operating revenue of approximately $59.0 billion in fiscal 2010 as against $60.8 billion reported in 2009, down approximately 3%. The decline is primarily attributable to lower insured membership, among other factors. The projection assumes that economic headwinds will continue to affect the company’s business throughout 2010. Specifically, the high unemployment level, which resulted in a 3.9% year-over-year decline in medical membership to 33.7 million in 2009, is expected to bring down medical membership further by 400,000 people in 2010. The company projects operating cash flow of approximately $1.1 billion in 2010. The operating cash flow projection includes tax payments of $1.2 billion related to the sale of WellPoint’s NextRx pharmacy benefit management companies and an ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/18/wlp-wellpoint-provides-2010-financial-outlook/31107/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(WLP) Health Care Outlook &amp; Stock Review &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/04/wlp-health-care-outlook-stock-review-industry-outlook/29684</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/04/wlp-health-care-outlook-stock-review-industry-outlook/29684#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:44:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BIOS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BioScrip Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Net Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HNT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MOH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Molina Healthcare Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ZOLL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zoll Medical Corporation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=29684</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[OVERVIEW The healthcare sector comprises different industries, ranging from managed care organizations, healthcare facilities providers and medical devices manufacturers to biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Consequently, we believe that investors in this sector should be mindful of the different drivers and appropriate metrics associated with the various sub-sectors. In the present scenario, investor sentiment in healthcare continues to be driven by decisions in the Congress related to government funding and the state of the broader economy. In view of the ongoing healthcare reform debate in the Congress, healthcare policy changes remain an important indicator to investing in the sector. The Health Bill intends to cover nearly all Americans by providing government subsidies to help pay premiums irrespective of health or income. President Obama has made a last-ditch effort to revive the ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/04/wlp-health-care-outlook-stock-review-industry-outlook/29684/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Corporation Outperforms Expectations &#8211; Reaffirms</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/02/04/ci-cigna-corporation-outperforms-expectations-reaffirms/27022</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/02/04/ci-cigna-corporation-outperforms-expectations-reaffirms/27022#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:13:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=27022</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation’s (CI) fourth quarter operating earnings of $1.03 per share were ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 96 cents. The company had earned 48 cents a share in the year-ago period. The results reflect the improvements in the equity market that aided in its reinsurance business performance. Additionally, the results were also strong in its accident insurance business. Quarterly net income was $330 million or $1.19 per share, compared with a net loss of $209 million or 77 cents per share a year earlier. For full year 2009, CIGNA earned $1.3 billion or $4.73 per share, compared to $292 million or $1.05 per share in 2008. The prior-year results included a loss of $646 million or $2.32 per share associated with the run-off Reinsurance operations. Total revenue decreased ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/02/04/ci-cigna-corporation-outperforms-expectations-reaffirms/27022/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Inks Long-term Agreement</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/22/hum-humana-inks-long-term-agreement/23444</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/22/hum-humana-inks-long-term-agreement/23444#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:44:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Polypore International Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PPO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=23444</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Humana Inc. (HUM) recently entered into a long-term agreement with New West Physicians, a primary-care group practice in the Denver area with approximately 250,000 patients. The deal will see New West Physicians provide health care services to individuals and families enrolled in a commercial health plan with Humana. The financial conditions of the transaction were not disclosed. The contract will allow the enrollees of Humana commercial health plans access to New West Physicians’ 13 office locations, 49 physicians and 12 nurse practitioners. The deal is applicable only to Humana commercial policy members. The benefits cannot be availed by Medicare Advantage members. We believe that this move by the company will provide its commercial health plan members with increased access to healthcare related facilities which will enable them to monitor their ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/22/hum-humana-inks-long-term-agreement/23444/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNH) Healthcare Stock Review &#8211; December 2009 &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/17/unh-healthcare-stock-review-dec-2009-industry-outlook/23150</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/17/unh-healthcare-stock-review-dec-2009-industry-outlook/23150#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:58:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Amgen Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AMGN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BIOS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BioScrip Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston Scientific Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BSX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Glaxosmithkline plc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GSK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hologic Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HOLX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LMNX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luminex Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MDT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medtronic Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merck & Company Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MOH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Molina Healthcare Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MRK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Perrigo Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PFE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pfizer Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Polypore International Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PPO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PRGO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stryker Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SYK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ZOLL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zoll Medical Corporation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=23150</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[OVERVIEW The healthcare sector comprises different industries, ranging from managed care organizations, healthcare facilities providers and medical devices manufacturers to biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Consequently, we believe that investors in this sector should be mindful of the different drivers and appropriate metrics associated with the various sub-sectors. In the present scenario, investor sentiment in healthcare continues to be driven by decisions in Congress related to government funding and the state of the broader economy. In view of the ongoing healthcare reform debate in Congress, healthcare policy changes remain an important indicator to investing in the sector. Even though legislation &#8212; which aims to cover nearly all Americans by providing government subsidies to help pay premiums irrespective of health or income &#8212; was passed in the House of Representatives, it is ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/17/unh-healthcare-stock-review-dec-2009-industry-outlook/23150/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>(WLP) WellPoint Sells NextRx Units to Express Scripts</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/03/wlp-wellpoint-sells-nextrx-units-to-express-scripts/21846</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/03/wlp-wellpoint-sells-nextrx-units-to-express-scripts/21846#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:49:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESRX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Express Scripts Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=21846</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recently, WellPoint, Inc. (WLP) announced that its NextRx subsidiaries have been purchased by Express Scripts, Inc. (ESRX) for $4.675 billion, which includes the consideration for the value of a future tax benefit for the acquirer based on the transaction structure. The deal provides for a 10-year agreement under which Express Scripts will provide the members of the health plans of WellPoint with pharmacy benefit management services Incorporatedluding home delivery and specialty pharmacy services. Both companies intend to leverage integrated medical and pharmacy data to drive innovation in the development and implementation of integrated health benefits. The deal should improve health outcomes for members and bring down healthcare costs. Through this deal, WellPoint will look to improve the efficacy of its clinical competencies through the success of Consumerology, Express Scripts&#8217; application ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/03/wlp-wellpoint-sells-nextrx-units-to-express-scripts/21846/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>($AET) Aetna Costs Costs by Slashing Jobs</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/11/19/aet-aetna-costs-costs-by-slashing-jobs/20937</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/11/19/aet-aetna-costs-costs-by-slashing-jobs/20937#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:13:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AIZ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Assurant Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=20937</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In a bid to become more efficient, the health insurer Aetna Inc. (AET) announced on Wednesday its intention to shed a total of 1,250 jobs or about 3.5% of its total workforce by the first quarter of 2010. Management intends to do so in two phases, by slashing 625 jobs now and the remaining early next year. The company expects to record after-tax restructuring charges of $40 million in fourth quarter 2009. Last December, the company cut 1,000 jobs, which was 3% of its total workforce. The company plans to slash majority of the jobs at its headquarters in Connecticut . Aetna with a total head count of 35,500 is eliminating jobs to cope with the difficult economic environment and potential impact that the health care reform might cast on ]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>(HUM) Humana Creates New Health Benefit</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/10/13/hum-humana-creates-new-health-benefit/17460</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/10/13/hum-humana-creates-new-health-benefit/17460#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:34:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=17460</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recently, Humana Military Healthcare Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Humana Inc. (HUM), announced the availability of an additional benefit for the beneficiaries of the TRICARE program (a medical program under the Department of Defense) in the South Region. Humana Military Healthcare Services offers health insurance coverage under the TRICARE program to the dependents of active duty military personnel and retired military personnel coupled with their dependents. Humana Military has been a contractor of the Department of Defense for the administration of the TRICARE program since Jul 1, 1996. The new benefit provides the families of soldiers enrolled in the TRICARE program access to a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management Program. They will be able to call a dedicated registered nurse and receive education and coaching on how to ]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Expands Medicare Coverage in California</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/10/09/hum-humana-expands-medicare-coverage-in-california/17319</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/10/09/hum-humana-expands-medicare-coverage-in-california/17319#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:42:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CMS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CMS Energy Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=17319</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recently Humana Inc. (HUM) announced that its Medicare coverage in 3 California countries is expanding. Members eligible for Medicare in Fresno , San Bernardino and Riverside can enroll in a Humana Gold Plus health maintenance organization (HMO) plan. Coverage would be effective from Jan. 1, 2010. The expansion has been approved by the Centers for Medicare &#38; Medicaid Services (CMS). The gold plus plan acts as a supplemental coverage to Medicare. Members can choose a primary care physician in the plan network. The other benefits of the plan include no or low monthly plan premiums, low co-payments for visits to doctors and annual routine physicals, coverage for most annual screenings at no charge, and worldwide emergency coverage. The persons opting for this plan will enjoy discounts on vision and hearing ]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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